Improving Adult Literacy Instruction: Options for Practice and Research
Authors: Committee on Learning Sciences: Foundations and Applications to Adolescent and Adult Literacy; Alan M. Lesgold and Melissa Welch-Ross, Editors; National Research Council (2012).This 504-page report synthesizes the research on literacy and learning to improve literacy instruction in the United States and to recommend a more systemic approach to research, practice, and policy. From the National Academies Press (NAP) Web site, readers may read the report online, download free PDF files of the full report and a 24-page summary, or purchase the book. Visit the NAP Web site.
Integrated Education and Training (IET) Clinic
The California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project (CALPRO) and the California Department of Education are pleased to offer a unique professional learning opportunity! Join other agency teams of ESL instructors, CTE instructors, and program administrators for an Integrated Education and Training (IET) Implementation Clinic.
FORMAT
There are five principal features of this unique online professional learning opportunity, which is open to up to 8 agency teams (each team is composed of 3 staff members).
1) Two day-long virtual training sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive planning and curriculum development activities as well as to share best practices.
2) Live, interactive discussion through three 75-minute online webinars with engaging guest speakers, seasoned facilitators, peer mentors, and colleagues from around the state (see below for complete details). In each meeting we will:
- Highlight the relevancy and value of the featured topic for the work that we do
- Explore best and promising practices in the featured topic
- Learn from subject matter experts and peer mentors on effective related strategies
- Share successes and common challenges with fellow teachers and program administrators
- Get help on solving issues we face
Topics will be tailored to the needs of the participating practitioners and identified through the application process and may include:
- Starting Strong: Developing the Team Teaching Partnership
- Co-Teaching & Alternating Teaching: Which Model, Why, And How?
- Developing a Single Set of Learning Objectives & Integrating Lesson Plans
- Building an Integrated Syllabus
- Promising Intake & Onboarding Strategies for lET
- Action Planning: Process considerations, potential challenges, and solutions to address challenges.
- IET and Distance Learning: Considerations & Strategies
3) Ongoing online discussions, sharing, and resource creation through a designated private group within CALPRO’s online Community of Practice.
4) Completion of a capstone project and presentation of the project at the second day-long session.
5) Coaching now included! IET clinic participating teams will now have the support of an IET implementation coach to support you for nine months upon completion of the IET clinic.
For more information, contact calpro@air.org.
Effective Teaching for Adult Educators
Course Description:This course takes place entirely online and runs for four consecutive weeks. Weekly participation is required, though participants may, during a given week, log in whenever they wish. A kick-off Webinar will take place in the first week; the date and time will be announced and posted. This course is intended to (1)build teachers’ capacity to identify the skills and knowledge required for excellent teaching as presented in the Adult Education Teacher Competencies, (2) evaluate in which areas participants are strong and in which areas professional development could support improvement, and (3) plan for increasing effectiveness of instruction. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of participation (14 hours); they are also eligible to apply to CSUS for 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) if they wish.Goals:By the end of the course participants will be able to: • Explain the background and rationale for Adult Education Teacher Competencies • Recognize performance indicators in practice • Create a sample illustration related to a specific program area • Identify the competencies from domains 1 and 3 in practice • Relate selected competencies to classroom practice • Create an initial professional development goalRegistration Information:There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees.Contact Information:Please contact calpro@air.org with any questions.
Civic Engagement through Democratic Literacy
Hosted by Los Angeles City CollegeCivic Education and Democratic Literacy play a pivotal role in empowering students to become engaged and informed citizens. Individuals equipped with this knowledge understand political and civic systems, allowing them to navigate these systems effectively and contribute meaningfully to the improvement of their communities. The goal of this CoP is to enhance the capacity of adult educators and programs to provide instruction that amplifies student perspective and voice, builds civic engagement, and dives deep into participatory approaches to democratic processes for adults including those who are developing literacy and language skills.Date: 3/07/2025Time: 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.Location: LACC Room: TBDRegistration Information:This tailored regional CoP is hosted by Los Angeles City College. Participants from neighboring districts or regions may be admitted on a space-available basis. There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees.
Research Forum: Media Literacy for Adult Learners: Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in the Digital Age
In today's world, media literacy is an essential skill for adults to participate in academic, professional, and community activities. This webinar will explore the importance of media literacy in adult education, providing practical tools and strategies to help learners critically evaluate media sources, understand the impact of media on society, and navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Participants will gain insights into fostering critical thinking and media analysis skills among adult learners, empowering them to become informed and engaged community members.
Admin Forum: Budget Planning With Certainty in Times of Uncertainty
How do you build a budget based on what you know and what you don’t know? This session will include strategies that any school administrator can use to plan and build a budget that considers the funding uncertainties of today’s times. Learn how to develop, implement, and monitor a budget, in the midst of change and unpredictability, that allows you to sleep at night.
Session Date: 6/17/2025 Facilitators: Steve Curiel, Dr. Carolyn Zachry
Effective Teaching for Adult Educators (Online)
Course Description:This course takes place entirely online and runs for four consecutive weeks. Weekly participation is required, though participants may, during a given week, log in whenever they wish. Two live webinars will be scheduled during the course; dates and times will be announced and posted. This course is intended to (1) build teachers’ capacity to identify the skills and knowledge required for excellent teaching as presented in the Adult Education Teacher Competencies, (2) evaluate in which areas participants are strong and in which areas professional development could support improvement, and (3) plan for increasing effectiveness of instruction. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of participation (14 hours); they are also eligible to apply to CSUS for 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) if they wish. Goals:By the end of the course participants will be able to: • Explain the background and rationale for Adult Education Teacher Competencies • Recognize performance indicators in practice • Create a sample illustration related to a specific program area • Identify the competencies from Domains 1 and 3 in practice • Relate selected competencies to classroom practice • Create an initial professional development goalRegistration Information:There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees. Registered participants will receive final confirmation and details by Friday, October 24, 2025. Waitlisted participants will also receive an update regarding their enrollment status by that date.
Teaching Math to Adults (Online)
Workshop Description: Discover innovative strategies to transform math instruction in this one-week CALPRO math course designed for adult educators. Through a blend of engaging activities and a live webinar, participants will explore the Standards of Mathematical Practice (SMPs) and their practical application in fostering student success. This course delves into the science of brain-based learning to address math anxiety and promote long-term retention. Participants will learn how to create lessons that encourage productive struggle, persistence, and confidence in tackling challenging concepts. Additionally, the course provides tools to integrate technology and evidence-based instructional routines that enhance engagement and align with the SMPs. With a total commitment of 4.5 hours, this dynamic course equips educators with actionable strategies to inspire and empower their students.Goals: The goal of this course is to equip educators with effective strategies and tools to enhance math instruction by fostering student engagement, promoting mathematical proficiency, addressing math anxiety, and integrating technology and evidence-based practices aligned with the Standards of Mathematical Practice (SMPs).Registration Information: There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees. Registered participants will receive final confirmation and details by Friday, November 7, 2025. Waitlisted participants will also receive an update regarding their enrollment status by that date.
CALPRO Research Forum: Formative Assessment for Data-Informed Differentiated Instruction
This one-hour webinar explores how formative assessment can enhance teaching and learning to support adult learners' persistence and goal achievement. The webinar will address common misconceptions about formative assessment, such as the belief that it’s too time-consuming or only useful for teachers. Through examining real-life examples, participants will learn strategies for collecting and analyzing learner data to inform differentiated instruction. The session will include practical examples, tools for implementation, and opportunities for reflection and discussion.
Presenter: DeAnne Berryhill
Admin Forum: From Reports to Results: Using Data to Drive Program Growth
Webinar Description: Join us for an engaging one-hour webinar designed to strengthen your use of data in shaping and advancing your Continuous Improvement Plan. You’ll hear professional perspectives from the California Department of Education, CASAS, and the field on how to effectively analyze and apply data for program improvement. Together, we’ll explore specific reports you can generate to guide decision-making and provide hands-on practice in developing clear, actionable SMART goals. Presenters: Carolyn Zachry, Administrator, California Department of Education; Kathleen Porter, Executive Director, Career Technical, Adult and Alternative Education, Poway Unified School District; and Carlos Rodriguez, Information Technology Lead, CASASDate: January 20, 2026, 1:00 - 2:00 pm